A group of citizens in Chattogram gathered for a human chain demonstration today (22 September), demanding that the government recognise the Karnaphuli River as a national river.
The event highlighted the urgent need for stricter laws to protect the river from encroachment and pollution, calling for those responsible to face legal action and exemplary punishment.
Karnaphuli Suraksha Parishad organised the event on the occasion of World River Day 2024 at the Chittagong Press Club premises.
Speakers at the vent emphasised the importance of maintaining the Karnaphuli River’s navigability and preserving its ecological and cultural significance.
Speaking at the event, river researcher Dr Idris Ali said the Karnaphuli is not just a natural resource but a vital part of the region’s culture and livelihood.
He urged for collective efforts to decontaminate the Karnaphuli River, stressing that the health of this river is essential for ensuring a sustainable environment for future generations.
Journalist Shamsuddin Illius echoed similar sentiments, calling for the restoration of encroached rivers and advocating for stronger law enforcement to protect all of the country’s rivers, canals, and water bodies.
He emphasised the importance of public cooperation and urged for the development of an inclusive, people-oriented plan to tackle river pollution.
Poet and journalist Kamal Parvez, President of Karnaphuli Suraksha Parishad, presided over the programme, moderated by the organisation’s General Secretary Sheikh Didarul Islam Chowdhury.
Among others, MA Hashem Raju, Hasan Maruf Rumi, Dr Kamrul Hasan, and several journalists and academics spoke at the event.
The event concluded with a rally of river lovers, who marched in solidarity with the demand to protect the Karnaphuli River.
At the rally, organisers announced that a campaign against plastic and polythene pollution — major contributors to river contamination — would soon be launched.
